5 Killed in Drone Attack on Bus Near Ukrainian Border, Belgorod Governor Says

July 20, 2026 A burning bus after it was purportedly targeted in a Ukrainian drone strike on July 20, 2026. Belgorod Crisis Response Center / Telegram Russian authorities on Monday accused Ukraine of killing five civilians, including a child, in a drone attack on a bus in the western Belgorod region and said three other civilians were hospitalized and in critical condition. Acting Belgorod region Governor Alexander Shuvayev said 23 people in total were injured in the strike. "Today, in the town of Shebekino, a drone operated by... terrorists from Kyiv deliberately and cynically struck a passenger bus," Shuvayev wrote in a message on Telegram. "According to preliminary information, five innocent civilians, including a minor, were killed as a result of this inhumane and despicable attack. Four women and a boy died from their injuries," the governor added. There was no immediate response from Ukraine. Shebekino, located just across the border from northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region, has faced regular bombing and drone attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion. Both Russia and Belarus have accused Ukrainian forces of targeting buses in the border regions of western Russia in recent weeks. Kyiv has denied the allegations. Reuters contributed reporting. Read more about: Belgorod , Drones , Ukraine war Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Ukrainian Drone Strike Kills Man in Belgorod Region The man died in the village of Murom across the border from eastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, authorities said. 1 Min read Ukrainian Rocket Attack on Belgorod Kills 2 After Drone Strikes Knock Out Power Russia’s Defense Ministry said more than 250 Ukrainian drones were downed across the country and annexed Crimea overnight. 2 Min read Belgorod Shuts Down Malls, Moves School Lessons Online Amid Large-Scale Drone Attack Russia’s Defense Ministry said Ukraine launched 122 drones at the border region overnight. 1 Min read Ukrainian Drone Strike in Belgorod Region Kills Man A second victim of the attack was hospitalized in the Volokonovsky district and later discharged for outpatient treatment, authorities said. 1 Min read